One of the unanticipated, but wonderful, benefits of our efforts to participate on social media sites like Twitter (@CapMetroNews & @CapMetroRail) and Facebook (/capitalmetro) is that we’ve made some meaningful connections with riders. Hazel Beasley is one of them, and I’ve enjoyed following her updates online. She’s been riding MetroRail since day one, and since yesterday was MetroRail’s 1st anniversary, it’s a good story to share this week. Here’s Hazel’s story, in her own words.
When I am at work and I mention that I need to catch the train, the responses are almost always the same,“You take the Cap Metro Rail? Really? That is so cool! How is it? I have always wanted to take a train to work! I wish I could make public transportation work for me.”

So, what do I say to the people who ask me how it is riding the train to work? I tell them that it is a reliable and smooth ride. I tell them how awesome it is not sitting in gridlock traffic adding to my commute and time away from my family. What do I say to people who have always wanted to take a train to work? I tell them, they should! The new schedules offer many options. Now, I can take my kids to school and still catch a train.
When people say that they wish they could make public transportation work for them, I tell them, they can! Sometimes it takes being really creative and having flexibility, but if you really want it to work, you can.
Take it from me. Hazel Beasley, Cap Metro Rail commuter.
Awesome! I have completely replaced my car with the metro rail. I can avoid traffic, get to my destination faster and work on the train wifi during my commute!
Love your story Hazel!